Accolade Wines, which is the fifth largest global wine company, is to split the existing role of European commercial general manager into two, covering mainland Europe and UK & Ireland, to focus better on these two strategically crucial markets.

Accolade Wines chief executive Troy Christensen said: “The two markets operate at different levels of maturity as far as our offer is concerned. There is significant scope within mainland Europe to grow our business – especially in eastern Europe and across Scandinavia.

“Creating these two new roles will give both markets the focus that they deserve, something that will benefit Accolade Wines in the long-term.”

The new role of commercial general manager mainland Europe will be taken up by Ted Popov, formerly sales director mainland Europe.

Paul Schaafsma, currently general manager UK & Ireland of Australian Vintage will take on the new role of commercial general manager UK & Ireland from September 3.

James Lousada, who previously had the overall European role was given the opportunity of taking on the new UK & Ireland brief, but has decided to leave the business.

Christensen said: “We need the dual focus to ensure that we can act with greater pace and flexibility at this challenging time for the wine industry.

“Accolade Wines UK is the engine room of the global business, and I am pleased to be able to bring a man of Paul’s abilities into the business to take on this role.

“The mainland Europe market on the other hand is fast growing, with new opportunities emerging all of the time. Ted has proved himself already in this market and I am sure he will step up to this new challenge.,” said Christensen.